Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Our text directs our thoughts to the greatest of all Beings, the source of all happiness. I. WHAT IT IS TO SET GOD ALWAYS BEFORE US. Represent to yourself the proceedings of men, who have proposed to themselves as their main pursuit the possession of some worldly attainment. Observe in what manner they set their object, be it what it may, always before their eyes. Contemplate the votary of science. Behold him absorbed in laborious researches: in the investigation of causes and effects; in the construction of theories, and the explanation of the phenomena of nature. Behold him day after day bending all the powers of his mind to the invention and application of mechanism; to the arrangement and superintendence of experiments; to the development and illustration of philosophical truth. At home and abroad, in cities and in the fields, in solitude and in society, behold him steadily bearing in mind the object to which he has dedicated his life. Survey the votary of ambition. Behold every nerve, every faculty, upon the stretch to supplant, to undermine, or to surpass his rivals, and to attain the dizzy preeminence to which he aspires. Receive then a lesson from the children of this world (Luke 16:8). Then wilt thou discern what it is to set the Lord thy God always before thee. II. THE DIFFERENT CHARACTERS UNDER WHICH IT IS OUR DUTY TO DO THIS. 1. Regard Him as Creator. If you deem life a blessing, remember Him — 2. As your Preserver. 3. As your Redeemer and Sanctifier. 4. As your Sovereign and your Judge. See then that you obey Him, lest you be destroyed forever. III. GIVE EXAMPLES OF THE DUTY OF THUS SETTING THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE YOU. 1. In prosperity — by being grateful to Him. 2. In adversity, sickness, and death — by trusting Him, submitting to Him patiently, remembering how little your sufferings in comparison with your sins. Look up to Him and be comforted. 3. In youth — by not withholding from the planter the prime of the fruit. When wilt thou serve thy God if not now? 4. In age — by remembering that the night cometh; work, while it is called today; seek mercy while yet it may be found. 5. Under all circumstances, in common duties, as well as in specially religious acts. If you are cultivating your farm; if you are selling your articles in the market or in a shop; if you are serving a master in your daily labour; if you are managing the concerns of your friend or of your country: remember that God is contemplating all your motive, all your thoughts, all your words, all your actions; and that for all your motives and thoughts and words and actions you will have to render an account at the judgment seat of Christ (Revelation 20:12). IV. THE RECOMPENSE. The Lord is at their right hand; they shall not be moved (1 Samuel 2:30; John 14:23). (T. Gisborne, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.WEB: I have set Yahweh always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. |
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